Know a Thai from there. She looks Turkish. Totally different look from other Thais Ive seen. Not been yet. Might go next year.
I want to check out Nakhon Sawan, Phits and Mae Sariang. Phits has an airport plus train so a plus.
Phits has access to Sukhothai plus Phetchabun so thats pretty good.
Ive been to 50 thai towns. CM and Krabi are good options. Both cheap enough, western stuff if u want, airports, scenary.
I could live in Nakhon Nowhere but i speak Thai. Most newbies couldnt last in NN. Too much of a culture shock if you cannot speak Thai.
If you like beaches fly to Krabi. If mountains Chiang Mai. There is 2 good starting points.
If you don't speak Thai and it sounds like you don't those places are good options. Both have international airports. Both great countryside.
Mix of west and east.
I know after 2 days if i like the town. After 2 weeks know the whole town inner area. Simply walk around.
6 months in each town would take him 10 years to visit 20.
You can cover 20 places in 3 months. Pick the top 2 spend a month see how it goes.
Why buy? Hotels are 300 baht a night. Rentals are 5000 baht up. I know a nice place old city 7500 baht a month. I could live there.
How come you spent 6 months in Pattaya?
Spend 3 months traveling. Pick the best town live there.
No need to buy.